Executive Principal

Harris Garrard Academy seeking to appoint a new Executive Principal for January 2023. We are a large All Through Academy located in Thamesmead in a purpose built building. We are looking for a highly motivated school leader with the school improvement skills and experience needed to create an Outstanding place of learning where both staff and students thrive.

The position would suit an existing Executive Principal new to their role, or an experienced school leader looking for progression and the opportunity to oversee an all through academy. For experienced executive level school leaders, joining the Federation offers a supportive and rewarding environment to hone your skills and experience. We also offer the opportunity for you to complete your National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) via our Leadership College. 

As Executive Principal of an All Through academy, you will provide the leadership and management necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning to rapidly raise standards of achievement across both secondary and primary phases.

About Us

Harris Garrard Academy is an all-through 3–18 academy with approximately 1350 pupils on roll and joined the Harris Federation as a sponsored academy in September 2017.

The academy was rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted across all areas following its inspection in November 2021. This is the first time Ofsted has inspected the academy since it joined the Harris Federation in 2017. Its predecessor school, Bexley Business Academy, was deemed by Ofsted to be inadequate overall, but since 2017 we have been able to turn the school around thanks to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and community.

The academy specialises in Sport and Health as we firmly believe that by installing the importance of Physical, Mental and Social Wellbeing, our students will become economically active and fulfilled citizens, that lead enjoyable, healthy and active lifestyles throughout their adulthood.

We will accept no excuses for being anything but the best we can be. We focus on the development of our students as individuals, and guide them by allowing honest, trusting and equal relationships to form.

Main Areas of Responsibility

The focus of the Executive Principal is the strategic oversight of the whole academy and to manage the Head of Academy and Head of Primary to ensure great outcomes across both secondary and primary phases. As an all-through Academy, the structure includes a Head of Academy and a Head of Primary, who benefits from the support of a Federation primary phase Executive leader.

The Executive Principal is responsible for creating a productive, disciplined learning environment and for the day-to-day running, management, organisation and administration of the academy. The Executive Principal’s effective leadership will result in an all through academy where: 

• There is a positive ethos that reflects a commitment to high achievement, effective teaching and learning, and good relationships 
• Staff, governors and parents have confidence in leadership and management 
• Staff and governors recognise their accountability for their tasks and contribute fully to the development and successful implementation of policies and practices 
• The life of the Academy and the curriculum effectively promote pupils and students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for adult life 
• Effectiveness is kept under rigorous review, and links with the wider community contribute to students’ attainment and personal development 
• Efficient and effective use is made of staff, accommodation and resources 
• Delegated responsibilities to ensuring that finance and administration are effective, and the carefully costed development plan is focused on improving educational outcomes.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for an experienced Principal / Headteacher with a successful track record of school improvement and who ideally has: 

• Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies 
• Relevant Further Degree or NPQH 
• Senior Leadership experience in a Secondary school 
• Current successful headship 
• Management experience in an all through academy or some experience gained in a primary setting 
• Working with a school in challenging circumstances 
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of current curriculum developments and how pupils learn 
• Leadership in curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies 
• Proven track record of raising attainment in an urban, multi-ethnic environment 
• Track record of raising standards in English and Mathematics and good knowledge of raising standards in Literacy and Numeracy

Please refer to the job pack for a full job description and person specification.

Next Steps

To arrange a confidential discussion about this post with Chris Everitt, Assistant Director, or if you have any other questions about the post, please contact Harry Bond, Head of Talent, via email: harry.bond@harrisfederation.org.uk

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. You will need this when completing your application.

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level to senior leadership.

As part of Harris, you will have the opportunity to join a highly collaborative network of academies, working alongside fellow Executives Principals and Academy Principals from across the wider Federation. Every Harris academy and their leadership team is supported by our central team of highly experienced Directors, Assistant Directors and Subject Specialist Consultants, as well as the efficiencies and cost saving services provided by the broader Federation central team.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. Before applying, please review our Policy Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

As a provider of employment and education, we value the diversity of our staff and students, and all our staff are equally valued and respected. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.